For more than 160 years, the Bertani estate, a pioneer in the development of Amarone wines, has shone a light across the four corners of the world on the excellence of fine Italian wines.
Location and surface area of Bertani’s vineyards
Bertani, a jewel in Italian winegrowing, is nestled in the heard of the Veneto region. It stretches across an impressive surface area of 200 hectares, between the serene lakes of Garde and Iseo, presenting a green setting that is perfect for growing grape varieties native to Veneto, a winegrowing region in the northwest of Italy.
The history of the estate
Its origins trace back to the mid-19th century
The history of the estate dates back to 1857, when the brothers Giovan Battista and Gaetano Bertani, who had studied abroad, decided to set up a winery in Quinto di Valpantena, not far from Verona. Passionate and visionary, they integrated modern viticulture and winemaking techniques with the region's traditional winemaking heritage, marking the start of an exceptional winemaking venture.
Expansion and recognition from the 1950s onwards
In the 1950s, under the impetus of the family's second generation, Domaine Bertani underwent a proper qualitative revolution.
A pioneer in the production of Amarone della Valpolicella Classico and Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena wines, the estate innovated by introducing the "appassimento" (drying of the grapes) process, a technique designed to concentrate sugars and produce a rich, complex wine, which would cement the growing reputation of the estate's wines in the 1970s and 1980s.
Everything you need to know about this Italian estate
Location and orientation
The vineyard benefits from an ideal exposure, with optimal sunshine and a constant breeze helping the grapes to ripen perfectly, giving rise to great Veneto wines.
Geology
The vines are planted on clay-limestone soils, favouring the development of indigenous local grape varieties such as Corvina and Rondinella, which express all their typical characteristics in each cuvée.
Climate
Le climat de la Vénétie, doux et tempéré, est caractérisé par des étés chauds et des hivers modérés. Ces conditions sont idéales pour la culture de la vigne, permettant une maturation lente et régulière des raisins.
Veneto's mild, temperate climate is characterised by hot summers and moderate winters. These conditions are ideal for growing vines, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly.
Growing methods
Over the years, Bertani has combined innovation with respect for tradition, promoting sustainable viticulture. New winemaking techniques have been introduced, while preserving the winegrowing heritage and the typical character of the wines. The estate follows environmentally-friendly growing practices, avoiding the use of chemicals and practising strict pruning to control yields and promote grape quality. Today, the Bertani estate is recognised for the quality of its wines, its contribution to the development of Italian wine and its commitment to preserving the environment.
Winemaking
The estate's philosophy combines pure Italian tradition with the use of modern techniques. The process of drying the grapes (appassimento) is a key element both in the winemaking process and in the very identity of the estate. This process concentrates the grapes' aromas and sugar to produce wines of great complexity.
The style of the estate’s wines
The estate's wines are renowned for their elegance and complexity. Intense in colour, they reveal a rich aromatic palette, with notes of black and red fruits, sweet spices and sometimes dark chocolate, underpinned by a strong tannic structure. The finish is persistent and delicious, with a smooth feel and a delicate aromatic structure.
Italian wines with an exceptional ageing potential
Thanks to their tannic structure and aromatic concentration, the estate's wines have great ageing potential. They can be enjoyed young, but can also be laid down for many years, developing more complex aromas and greater finesse as they age.
Food and wine pairing
The complexity and aromatic richness of these Veneto wines make them the perfect accompaniment to dishes such as red meats, roasts, game and mature cheeses. Their richness on the palate also makes them ideal with spicy dishes and traditional Italian cuisine.
